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Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) - How to prevent?

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) - Preparing for surgery

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) - Post-surgery care

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) - Other Information

Is obstructive sleep apnoea dangerous and must it be treated?
Obstructive sleep apnoea has been linked to increased chances of heart disease, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms. Unfortunately, not all the long term effects of untreated sleep apnoea are known today. However, continual lack of refreshing sleep can lead to depression, irritability, lack of energy, a high risk of motor vehicular accidents, workplace accidents and many other problems. Most specialists agree that obstructive sleep apnoea is dangerous and should not be ignored.
If I have sleep apnoea, how can I help myself?
Besides seeking medical attention, there are several things doctors suggest you can do to alleviate obstructive sleep apnoea including weight loss, quitting smoking, eliminating alcohol and avoiding sedatives especially before bedtime.
I don't awake repeatedly throughout the night. Does it mean I do not have sleep apnoea?
No. Most people with sleep apnoea do not realise that they are awakening to breathe repeatedly throughout the night. This is because the arousal is slight and most people become accustomed to this. However even this slight arousal is enough to disrupt the pattern of sleep and lead to unrefreshing sleep.
What should I do if I think I may have sleep apnoea?
The best thing is see your doctor. He may refer you to a specialist or sleep disorders unit for you to undergo evaluation which may include spending the night in a sleep lab to undergo a sleep study call polysomnogram.

References

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Asthma + Lung UK. (n.d.). https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnoea-osa
Foundation, S. H. (2024, January 12). Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Sleep Health Foundation. https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-disorders/obstructive-sleep-apnoea
Verbraecken, J. (2023). Epidemiology of obstructive sleep apnoea, central sleep apnoea and hypoventilation syndromes. ERS Handbook of Respiratory Sleep Medicine, 38–43. https://doi.org/10.1183/9781849841641.008022
Steier, J. (2022). Novel approaches for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea. Oxford Handbook of Sleep Medicine, 111–118. https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780192848253.003.0012
Robinson, T., & Scullion, J. (2021). Obstructive sleep apnoea. Oxford Handbook of Respiratory Nursing, 335–344. https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780198831815.003.0013

Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose ＆ Throat),

Respiratory ＆ Critical Care Medicine,

Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine,

Sleep Disorders,

Sleep Apnoea Surgery,

Article contributed by SingHealth Duke-NUS Sleep Centre; Otorhinolaryngology - Head ＆Neck Surgery, Singapore General Hospital; Otolaryngology (ENT), Singapore General Hospital; Respiratory ＆ Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital; Sleep Disorders, Singapore General Hospital; Department of Oral ＆ Maxillofacial Surgery, National Dental Centre Singapore; Department of Orthodontics, National Dental Centre Singapore

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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